Thursday, October 16, 2014

15 Fun Activities to Keep A Toddler Busy

We all know that some days we look down at our full-of-energy, bright eyed toddlers and just draw a blank on what to spend the day doing with them. If your toddler is anything like mine, she doesn't stay focused on one activity very long so I'm always trying to plan ahead and come up with things to keep her busy. Here is a list of our favorite things to do together that you can keep handy for
those blank days. I would love if you would comment below with your favorite toddler activities that aren't on this list so I can stockpile some more ideas!

1. ReadThere are so many great books out there to read to your toddler. Snuggle up in a big chair and read every word. Let your toddler turn the pages by themselves and don't rush. Reading as a child is one of my best memories, and here's your chance to make some with your child! Here are a few of our favorites right now:

2. Sing songsSinging is an expression of what's in your heart. Let your child know how happy you are by singing songs with them! Sing serious songs, silly songs, fun songs, and even the lame nursery rhyme songs! Our favorites right now are Jesus loves me, Twinkle Twinkle, The Itsy Bitsy Spider, If you're happy and you know it, The Wheels on the Bus etc...

3. Play outsideWhen the days are sunny, play outside! It can be something as simple as laying out in the grass and watching the birds (or watching your toddler eat grass). Either way, being outside in the fresh air is good for both you and your toddler!

4. Visit the LibraryMost local libraries have story time and other fun activities for kids. If your toddler seems restless and you just need to get out of the house, lug him/her out to the library. It may seem like a trip to get there, but story time is awesome and it gives you a chance to take a break from being the one who reads the same book for the 47th time, right?

5. Have a play dateWe all know moms can get lonely. Maybe toddlers can too! Connect with someone who has a child around the same age as yours and get together periodically. I find it's easier to relax and talk when I know that my child is having fun playing with a friend!

6. Play with play doughPlay dough is the best. Here are several great recipes if you are feeling particularly ambitious and want to make your own: Play Dough Recipes.

7. Finger paint

Finger painting is both fun and ridiculously messy. Make sure you save lots of time to clean up when you are finished!

8. Blow bubbles

This can entertain a toddler for an impressively long period of time! Have them chase the bubbles, pop them, and even blow some themselves. This one is always a winner!

9. Play with water

Is it just my daughter, or are toddlers obsessed with water? Whenever my daughter is cranky and I don't know what to do with her, I always let her play with water or stick in in the bath. It always works! To make bath time even more fun, get these awesome Play Visions Crayola Bathtub Crayons. K loves coloring all over her bathtub walls and I love how easy they are to clean up after!

10. Go on a walk/hikeKids love to be outside! Taking a walk or hike is a way the two of you can be outside together getting exercise and enjoying the fresh air! Find out if there are any parks with trails near you and let your toddler walk or even put them in a backpack carrier if you are wanting to go the distance! More power to you!

11. Go to the Zoo

The Zoo is the perfect place to go when you feel like you are out of options! Some zoo's are even free and offer free toddler activities. Bonus! Plus, it's a great place to meet other moms and even let your toddler interact with other kids for a while!

12. Go to a children's museum

Children's museums are the best! They are perfect for a rainy or cold day when you are stuck inside! Plan to spend the whole day there

13. Build a fort

Be imaginative and use blankets, sheets, pillows, chairs and whatever other household furniture you can find and build an awesome fort. My daughter LOVES when we do this. Then we eat a snack and read books inside our cool fort!

14. Play Hide and Seek

This one has become a new favorite in our home! I didn't expect my almost 2 year old to really grasp the concept yet but she is great at hiding and finding. She laughs so much while we are playing hide and seek which in turn makes it extra fun for me!

15. Play a gameI know you're thinking that there's no way your toddler will sit still long enough to play a game. I thought so too! But when I brought out the Alphabet Feely Box, she sat down and played through the whole thing with me, matching up each object to the letter on the mat. If you are looking for a fun toddler friendly game, I highly recommend this Alphabet Box!

What are you favorite toddler busy bags or activities? Check out the other mama's blogs for their ideas. And be sure to link up with us below if you also have a post on this topic.

In the difficulty of motherhood, it's so important to find other mamas to relate to. Toddlers can be a handful and leave you wondering what to do next. This series is here to help you navigate through toddlerhood while being able to relate to other mamas going through the same thing. We may not always know what we are doing but we give it our best shot anyway. Come back each week to check out our new topic and read along with the other hosts of our One Year and Beyond series!

6 comments:

The Jesus Storybook Bible is my son and my favorite read!!! Love the Bible stories in there and both kids and adults can learn from it. Great toddler activity ideas. Thanks for hosting this link-up!Amy @ http://www.livinglifetruth.com/

Hello cute lady! It is always fun to stop by and party with you! I hope you get a chance to stop by our party tonight at 7 pm. It would be a our pleasure to have you. http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/Happy Monday! Lou Lou Girls

I have 5 sons and they are all long out of their toddler years. My "baby" is nine now. Nine! We always loved exploring outside when the boys were little. I would daily put them in the stroller or wagon and we would be off on an adventure. They loved it. The best part of taking the kids outside (even if it's raining!) is that they get their energy out and we slow down and enjoy them. Take it from me... Toddlerhood goes by way to quickly!Enjoy every minute.This list is a great resource for those of you with young kiddos.

LOVE the book recommendations! Thanks for sharing!Those bath crayons!! I've never seen them before! I will definitely have to get some for Mia! We may just bath twice a day during the winter to pass the time when we are snowed in, HA!

"Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."